Ideal weather

11/8/2023

Our regular butterfly counting team of GH, GK and BG were once again joined by Liz North for Transect no. 19 on Wenesday morning. Conditions were ideal for seeing butterflies: sunny, warm with just a slight breeze, and we were not disappointed. We recorded a total of 488 butterflies, the third highest week's count of what is proving to be the best season for several years, and there are still seven weeks before the end of the 2023 counting season – let's hope the weather holds up,

With 278 counted, the Meadow Browns once again provided the highest numbers, as they always do over the high summer days. Gatekeeper numbers dipped slightly to 50 while the second broods of Common Blue and Brown Argus rocketed from single figure over previous weeks to 43 (CBs) and 46(BAs) – both of these figures are the best for several years for these two species. Three weeks later than usual, we saw our first Chalkhill Blues (6) at the Horseshoe Vetch patch on Gt Parsons Field (Section 11) . Once again, Purple Hairstreaks (4) were flying high in the oak and ash trees that front on to Hill Wood Field (section 7).
We saw butterflies on most of the transect's twelve sections but it is interesting to note that the two sections of Fames Rough (sections 3 and 4) were where we saw the greatest numbers. Is this the result of the on-going removal of scrub?

Count details:
278 Meadow Brown
50 Gatekeeper
46 Brown Argus
43 Common Blue
19 Brimstone
9 Peacock
7 Small White
6 Small Heath
6 Chalkhill Blue
4 Small Copper
4 Purple Hairstreak
3 Marbled White
3 Holly Blue
3 Large White
3 Silver-washed Fritillary
2 Comma
2 Speckled Wood
Summary:
488 butterflies from 17 species.
Click on butterfly names for more info.

Survey by Graham H, Graham K, Brian Gardner and Liz North submitted to Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS).
Report by Brian Gardner. Pics by Graham K and Liz North.
Click pics to enlarge.